Library 2.0 Gang: Hosted by Richard Wallis

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Library 2.0 Gang

Hosted by Richard Wallis

Library 2.0 Gang 09/08: System Procurement

All are agreed that the purchasing of a library system is not an insignificant undertaking, but in these times of rapidly changing 2.0 technology and open source systems, are the current procurement processes still fit for purpose?

To help with the discussion we are joined by two guests this month who are both veterans of many tender processes:

Karen Reece Sales Manager, Talis.
Rob McGee Founder and President of RMG Consultants Inc.

Gang members Carl Grant and Marshall Breeding join in the discussion about the frustrations of the procurement process and how it may or may not be applicable. There again, the process does lead to contractual rigor, but is it at the expense of stifled innovation.?

To help the discussion along Rob McGee has provided a couple of his white papers on the subject:

Request for Proposals for Integrated Library Systems [pdf]
Information Technology Strategic Planning for Libraries [pdf]

Although coming from differing points of view, the gang and our guests agreed on one piece of advice for libraries – make friends with your purchasing department, involving them fully in preparing requirements with vision.